There are lots of great outdoor swimming pools dotted all over Melbourne. Great for days when you can't be bothered with the traffic and crowds at the beach, or getting sand in your swimmers.
Here are some of the best:
Brunswick City Baths: 14 Dawson Street, Brunswick 3056.
The 50m, chlorinated, heated pool is open all year round; it's heated to a temperature between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius and they usually have a minimum of three lap lanes open at all times except when there's a special event.
Carlton Baths: 248 Rathdowne Sreet, Carlton.
A great place to wile away a summers day; the 25m outdoor pool is wind protected with lots of green space, so you can bring a book or magazine and relax. A section is reserved for laps who want a workout. They also have a toddler pool in a secure fenced area with lots of shade. Open from October through to April.
Coburg Olympic Outdoor Pool: Murray Road, Coburg.
A fantastic summer facility for families, sun worshipers and athletes; it has a 50m outdoor Olympic pool, learners pool, shaded shallow toddlers pool, landscaped lawn and lots of natural shade, barbecue and picnic facilities and a kiosk. Open 1st December to 31st March each year.
Fitzroy Swimming Pool: 160 Alexandra Parade, Fitzroy, 3065.
It has a 50m outdoor heated pool and separate outdoor toddler pool with sun smart shade cloth. Open all year round.
Melbourne Sport & Aquatic Centre: Box 1, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park 3206.
There is an inside play area for young children but the outdoor 50m pool is really for people who want to workout and laze by the pool. Open all year round.
North Melbourne Recreation Centre: 1 Macaulay Road, North Melbourne.
All pools are heated to around 27.5°C, they have a 25m x 8 lane lap pool, learners play pool, toddlers pool and an infant splash pool. It's open seasonally from 1st October to 30th April.
Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre: 626 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley 3150.
This 50m pool is heated to about 26 degrees Celsius and can be used for recreational use or for those who want to do a few laps. Open all year round.
Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre: 180 Victoria Road, Northcote 3070.
They have a 50m pool that is used for both recreational and lap swimming, a learners pool, covered toddlers pool plus grass and shaded areas.
Pascoe Vale Outdoor Swimming Pool: Prospect Street, Pascoe Vale 3044.
One for the families; it has a solar heated 33m x 7 lane main pool, solar heated and shaded 20m learner's pool, shaded toddler's water play feature, solar heated diving pool with board, barbecue and picnic facilities, kiosk and landscaped lawns and tree shade. Open 1st December to 31st March each year.
